How the Seattle Public Library Helps Set Up K-12 Students for Remote Success This School Year
release date: August 28, 2020
Back to school is looking very different this year, with Seattle Public Schools starting off the fall with 100% remote learning. But no matter your student’s grade level or learning situation, your Library is here for you. The Seattle Public Library has free online programs, resources and personalized services to help students explore, learn and succeed in school and beyond.
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
- Remote learning resources: The Library has a new remote learning web area that curates dozens of free virtual learning resources by grade level, including pre-K to grade 2, grades 3 to 5, middle school and high school. Find everything from virtual Play and Learn groups for preschoolers to coding workshops for elementary kids to online tutoring and wellness classes. Sources include the Library, Seattle Public Schools, and far beyond.
- Digital learning resources: The Library’s many digital resources for students and families include:
- Curated e-book collections for children and teens
- Graphic novels and comics at Hoopla
- Research databases and online encyclopedias
- Learning resources such as Mango Languages
- Educational videos through Access Video
- Lesson plans in BookFlix
- Exploration Guides: Launched in July in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, Exploration Guides focus on subjects of high interest to learners from grade 3 through high school and are designed to encourage students to explore on their own, with topics ranging from the lore behind the Kraken, how athletes are activists, the intersection of COVID-19 and race, cooking dumplings from around the world, and much more. Each guide includes a range of digital media, including videos, podcasts, art images, e-books, and historical documents.
- Play and Learn, story times and more for little learners. You can find virtual story times several days a week at www.spl.org/calendar, as well as other virtual learning programs such Kaleidoscope Play & Learn.
- Book lists and other reading resources: Patrons can once again place holds on physical materials such as books as part of our Curbside Service; you can find great book recommendations for kids and teens and other reading resources on our Books and E-books page. You can also host online book discussion groups using “Always Available” titles through Libby and Hoopla.
PERSONALIZED HELP FOR STUDENTS
- Personalized book recommendations: Your Next Five is a service that will create personalized book recommendations for children and teens within four days.
- Personalized learning plans: Your Next Skill offers personalized learning plans for a skill or topic that a child wants to tackle.
- Reference service: Students and families can also reach out to a librarian with any kind of question via chat, phone or email us at www.spl.org/AskUs.
- Online help: Use the Ask Us reference service to find information or get a question answered. Our chat service is available, and you can also email us or call 206-386-4636. You can find online resources for your studies on our Student Research
The Library will continue to expand its programs for students, and may add a free online Homework Help service later this fall.